‘Ignomy in ransom and free pardon are
Of two opposed houses: lawful mercy
Is nothing kin to foul redemption.’
[ Note XIII.]
[III. 1. 29.] Mr Collier’s copy of the second Folio has ‘sire.’ Notes and Queries, Vol. VI. p. 141.
[ Note XIV.]
[III. 1. 56, 57.] The metrical arrangement is uncertain here. It is not probable that the last word of the Duke’s speech, ‘concealed,’ should be the first of a line which would be interrupted by his exit. Perhaps, too, the true reading of the following line may have been:
‘As comforts all are good, most good indeed.’
[ Note XV.]
[III. 1. 91, 94.] The word ‘prenzie,’ occurring, as it does, twice in this passage, rests on such strong authority that it is better to seek to explain than to alter it. It may be etymologically connected with ‘prin,’ in old French, meaning ‘demure;’ also with ‘princox,’ a ‘coxcomb,’ and with the word ‘prender,’ which occurs more than once in Skelton: e.g.